Escambia County Receives Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
July 16, 2018
Escambia County’s Office of Management and Budget’s 2017/18 Fiscal Year Budget has received the Government Finance Officers Association’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the county’s 2017/18 fiscal year budget. Escambia County has been honored to be recognized with the award every year since 1995.
According to the GFOA, the award represents a significant achievement, reflecting the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. In order to receive the budget award, the entity had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity’s budget serves as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide and a communications device. Budget documents must be rated “proficient” in all four categories, and in the 14 mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award.
Government Finance Officers Association is a professional association servicing the needs of more than 19,000 appointed and elected local, state, and provincial-level government officials and other finance practitioners.
Wahoos Tie Series In Wild 11th Inning Win Over M-Braves
July 16, 2018
In the third straight extra innings game between the Blue Wahoos and the Mississippi Braves, the Wahoos found a way to come out on top, 12-9, Sunday night at Trustmark Park.
Already leading 2-1, the Braves scored three runs in the third inning and chased Wahoos starter Wyatt Strahan from the game after the second consecutive bases-loaded walk. The Blue Wahoos were quick to respond and get their starter off the hook with four runs in the fourth inning. Pensacola used walks to Cassidy Brown and TJ Frield along with a Jose Siri double, and singles from Mitch Nay and Shed Long to do the damage and even the game at 5-5.
With the Wahoos trailing by a run, Nay homered in the sixth inning to even the game at 6-6. Pensacola took the lead when Luis Gonzalez dashed home on a dropped throw at second base when the Braves tried to throw out Brown advancing on a wild pitch. Mississippi quickly responded and tied the game in the seventh inning to set up extra innings.
Both teams scored their designated runners in the 10th before Pensacola opened it up with a four-run 11th inning. The Blue Wahoos chipped away with two singles, an error and a walk to saddle the Braves and reliever Kelvin Vasquez (L, 3-2) with the loss.
The night after he suffered the loss in the 10th inning, Carlos Navas (W, 4-1) by giving up just the one run to the designated runner in Sunday’s contest.
The seesaw game went back and forth all night and featured 13 different pitchers combined who walked a total of 15 batters with 16 strikeouts. There were five errors between the two teams and Braves manager Chris Maloney got ejected for the second time in the series. Both teams combined for 29 hits in a game that lasted four hours and one minute.
The Blue Wahoos got multi-hit games from Nay, Gavin LaValley, Narciso Crook and Brown. Brown and Nay each finished with three hits to pace the offense. LaValley led the charge with three RBI.
The series wraps up on Monday night with LHP Seth Varner (4-1, 2.60) starting for the Blue Wahoos against M-Braves RHP Enderson Franco (4-6, 3.61).
Thousands Wowed By The Blue Angels
July 15, 2018
Thousands packed Pensacola Beach Saturday for the annual Pensacola Beach Air Show featuring the Blue Angels. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
North Escambia Has Been Invaded By Snails
July 15, 2018
Northern Escambia and Santa Rosa counties have been invaded by snails.
“It is really unbelievable how many we have, Diann Tagert of Jay said. She said they are everywhere around her home.
Tagert said she has resorted to using salt to keep the slimy little things and their tiny home shells away from her carport.
The tiny little invaders have been identified as the species Bulimulus sporadicus, according to Michael Donahoe, director of the Santa Rosa County Extension Service. The snails from the West Indies were first reported in Florida in Jacksonville, mostly around railroad tracks. They’ve since spread, with infestations in several areas of the state.
“As far as we can tell, they are not chewing plant parts or causing damage like slugs,” he said.
Not only are the snails appearing around homes, they are also appearing on crops with no great way to control them.
“Insecticides simply did not work,” Donahoe said.
Courtesy photos and photos by Diann Tagert for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
.
Man Gets Jail Time For Burning Puppy In A Hot Shower
July 15, 2018
A Santa Rosa man has been sentenced to jail time for animal abuse after burning a puppy in a hot shower.
Liam Johnson entered a plea straight up to Circuit Judge David Rimmer on one count of aggravated animal cruelty. Judge Rimmer then sentenced Johnson to 180 days in the county jail and three years of probation. In addition to the general terms of supervision, the defendant was ordered to not possess any animals.
On the night of November 2, 2017, Johnson’s girlfriend took their puppy to an animal hospital due to burns it had sustained earlier that day.
the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Department was notified of the dog’s condition and conducted an investigation. Johnson told law enforcement that the dog had a seizure and was unresponsive so he tried to revive the dog by putting him in
a hot shower.
Johnson admitted that he did not seek medical care for the dog and waited for his girlfriend to get off work to handle the situation. The criminal charge resulted from his failure to provide medical care as well as the initial improper treatment, according to presecutors.
Due to the dog’s condition, Johnson’s girlfriend elected humane euthanasia.
Century Fire Hosting Benefit Coed Charity Softball Tourney
July 15, 2018
The First Annual Century Firefighter’s Coed Charity Softball Tournament will be held Saturday, July 28 at Showalter Park in Century.
The entry fee is $200 per team. Proceeds will benefit fire victims in the Century and Byrneville areas.
Concessions will be available.
For rules and entry information, call Kevin Bullard at (850) 324-8457 or Shaun Moye at (251) 236-1182
Jackson Announces Candidacy For Escambia (AL) Sheriff
July 15, 2018
Submitted article.
Brewton resident Heath Jackson has announced his Republican candidacy for Sheriff of Escambia County, Alabama. The son of Thomas Wayne and Terry Sherrer Jackson, Heath was born and raised most of his life in Brewton, Alabama. Through them, he learned that hard work and integrity are the cornerstones of success. Upon graduation from T. R. Miller High School in 1999, he began his pursuit of a lifelong dream in law enforcement. He attended the city of
Montgomery’s Advanced Criminal Justice Academy and became a sworn peace officer in the state of Alabama in January 2000.
Heath has an unmatched working knowledge of every community in Escambia County, Alabama and Escambia County, Florida. Jackson began his tenure with the city of Brewton Police Department as a patrol officer, quickly realizing the need for the active and aggressive stand needed with the rising number of drug-related crimes in the county. Increasing the scope of his involvement, Jackson spent six years with the 21stJudicial Circuit Drug Task Force investigating
all types of crimes from drug investigations, burglary and homicide. Serving as a Task Force Officer with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives for more than four years, Jackson assisted federal law enforcement in the successful arrests and prosecutions of individuals who violated gun and explosive laws. In 2007, Jackson became an investigator for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Pensacola, Florida and was assigned to the Narcotics Division,
spearheading numerous investigations in organized crime, drug trafficking, and prostitution. Broadening the scope of his experiences and abilities, he joined the Homicide Unit in March of 2013. In 2015, Jackson was promoted to Sergeant and assigned to the Uniformed Services Division.
Jackson has proven he has a calm demeanor in any situation based upon the myriad of experiences requiring strategic and tactical planning. He is the Vice President of the Florida Association of Hostage Negotiators, committed to the successful resolution of crisis incidents. Locally, he is the Team Leader of the Escambia County (FL) Sheriff Office Crisis/Hostage Negotiation team. As a former Escambia County (FL) Sheriff’s Public Information Officer, Heath was responsive and professional, acting in full compliance with the Public Records Law and as spokesperson and liaison to the media and public. An avid outdoorsman who enjoys spending time with friends and family, Jackson is an active member of the National Rifle Association and Bama Carry. Heath Jackson fully supports the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution, the Bill of Rights that enshrines American’s right to keep and bear arms, or weapons.
Heath has been blessed with numerous accomplishments and received accolades for his involvement with the youth of the county for supporting the Youth Police Academy at Jefferson Davis Community College and Brewton Police Department Citizens’ Police Academy. He has completed numerous hours of training with U. S. Customs Service, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U. S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation, U. S.
Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Justice Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and multijurisdictional training. Jackson is also the proud recipient of the FBI LEEDA Trilogy Award for Leadership.
With an honest, forthright and no-nonsense approach to public service, he is committed tobuilding on the successes of those who have served before him and continue to focus on ways toimprove. Actively involved in Republican Party politics for several years, Heath was the Chairman of the Escambia County Republican Party from 2012 to 2014. Giving back to his community and fellow law enforcement officers is a calling that Heath takes very seriously. As a
certified law enforcement instructor, Heath spends much time educating other law enforcement officers, community organizations, and children. Heath has trained hundreds of officers in how to respond to active shooters, mentally ill individuals, firearms safety, death investigations, narcotics investigations, and many other topics.
“I have seen significant changes in the needs and requirements for law enforcement and public safety in the last several years. I believe these needs will continue to grow as the county prospers. Our community deserves the commitment of the sheriff’s office to eradicate crime, change mindsets, restore hope, tear down walls of division, and open doors of opportunity and fairness. This commitment must be demonstrated every day – not just at those strategically placed moments before elections. It is my intention to maintain a professional and courteous office that is prepared to meet any challenge the county may face.”
Jackson knows the importance of conviction, dedication, professionalism, and the strength of genuine effort. He understands today’s issues and has the vision to meet tomorrow’s challenges. As an investment in the future of Escambia County, he will be a driving force in ensuring safety and trusts are restored. By example, he will lead the men and women of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office into a future of unparalleled quality of Service to the community based squarely on Integrity and Respect.
“Please join me in moving the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office forward so we can serve you better. I welcome your thoughts and your questions and can be reached on my cell phone at 205-901-1391 or by email at agentheathjackson@gmail.com. I am here to serve the people, I am here to serve you! I humbly ask for your vote of support and vote of confidence on November 6.”
Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup: Searching For Answers
July 15, 2018
Florida, as the nation’s third-largest state, has more than its share of complex challenges.
And this week underscored that there are no easy or quick solutions for the problems, which in some cases have plagued the state for decades.
Nathaniel “Nat” Reed, an environmental icon, passed away. Reed’s public service dates to the 1960s when he worked as an adviser to Gov. Claude Kirk. Reed went on to advise a half-dozen Florida governors and worked in the U.S. Department of Interior under two presidents.
One of Reed’s main passions over his decades of advocacy and advice was the Florida Everglades and the vast water system that covers South Florida.
In the same week of Reed’s death, coastal communities, including Reed’s home county of Martin and other counties in Southeast and Southwest Florida, were struggling with the reemergence of toxic algae that is the result of polluted water releases from Lake Okeechobee.
It was a reminder of Florida’s ongoing efforts to revive the health of the Everglades and related water bodies at the same time the growing state continues to put pressure on the system through agricultural runoff, septic tanks and other activities.
Meanwhile, in Broward County the 16-member Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission continued its daunting task of probing the Feb. 14 mass shooting at the Parkland school and coming up with recommendations that might prevent future tragedies.
One of the themes in the commission’s work is that what happened in Parkland could happen elsewhere in Florida, as commissioners heard testimony this week about problems in law-enforcement communication systems and with the state’s mental-health network.
LAKE ‘OH, NO’
Gov. Rick Scott issued an emergency order this week following an outbreak of toxic algae that was the result of water discharges from Lake Okeechobee by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
After touring the Caloosahatchee River on Monday morning, Scott issued the order for Glades, Hendry, Lee, Martin, Okeechobee, Palm Beach and St. Lucie counties “to help combat algal blooms” caused by the discharges into nearby waterways.
The declaration allows the Department of Environmental Protection and the South Florida Water Management District to waive various restrictions and regulations to store water in additional areas south of the lake.
“It is my duty to protect Floridians, no matter what it takes,” Scott said. “Since we are facing more harmful algal blooms from federal water releases, the state is taking a multifaceted approach to protect families.”
Scott ordered the Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to spend more staff time on water testing. The governor also told the DEP to set up a grant program to help local governments pay for clean-up services.
Scott also enlisted the aid of a variety of other agencies to address the toxic waters, including directing state health officials to inform Floridians and visitors of the dangers of algal blooms. He also said the state would work with local tourism officials to try to mitigate the impact of the outbreak on their industry.
Scott blamed the federal government, particularly the Corps of Engineers, for the water problems. But Democrats slammed Scott, a Republican who is challenging U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, the Democratic incumbent, in the November election.
“Whether it was cutting budgets, laying off scientific staff, just completely dismantled environmental agencies … he’s spent years fighting with the (federal government) over water quality standards,” said Aliki Moncrief, executive director of Florida Conservation Voters.
But a glimmer of a longer-term solution also emerged this week, as the White House backed Florida’s effort to secure federal funding for a reservoir intended to move water away from Lake Okeechobee and reduce discharges into the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie estuaries.
The request by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to include funding for the roughly $1.6 billion Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir, approved by the state Legislature last year, now heads to the U.S. Senate. The plan is expected to be included as part of America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018.
The state wants the federal government to pay for half of the reservoir project, which was a priority of Florida Senate President Joe Negron, a Stuart Republican.
DECIPHERING A TRAGEDY
The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission spent three days in Sunrise examining the circumstances surrounding the February mass shooting that killed 14 students and three staff members.
On Wednesday, the commission explored the confusion sparked by 911 calls from frightened teenagers inside the school, parents seeking information about the disaster and others trying to report the sounds of shots being fired.
Depending on how they were made, the emergency calls were answered by several entities, including Broward County and the cities of Coral Springs and Plantation, as law enforcement officials from various communities responded to the shooting and calls from one call center had to be transferred to another.
But the issue of transferring calls from one law enforcement agency to another during a disaster isn’t isolated, according to Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, the chairman of the commission.
“People here shouldn’t be thinking this is a unique situation or problem to Broward County. It’s not,” Gualtieri said.
On Thursday, the commission heard testimony about Florida’s fractured and overwhelmed mental-health system.
Steve Leifman, a Miami-Dade County judge who is a prominent advocate for improvements in the mental-health system, said of the approximately 200,000 Floridians who were brought for Baker Act examinations last year, just over 1,700 ended up in mental-health facilities. “It’s a fraction,” he said.
He said part of the problem is outdated criteria in the 1971 law, suggesting it should be broadened to adapt to ongoing developments in the science of mental health.
Leifman also said the overall mental-health system remains underfunded, citing data that shows Florida per-capita spending ranks 49th or lower among the states. He said that means roughly one-fifth of residents who need treatment get it, while 80 percent are untreated.
Some commission members were dismayed by testimony that showed although various entities may have known about the emotional and mental problems of Nikolas Cruz, the former student charged with the mass murder, there was little coordination or oversight.
“That’s the cornerstone of what we’re trying to do here because after the fact everybody knew he (Cruz) was going to do it sometime. But none of the dots ever got connected in advance,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, a commission member.
“How do we create a process or a system where we can get all of this individual data together and break down silos and make sure they get services and then we are able to follow their ebbs and flows in the process?” Judd asked.
The commission is working on a set of recommendations that will be given to state officials by Jan. 1.
STORY OF THE WEEK: Gov. Rick Scott issued an emergency order for seven Florida counties after the reemergence of a toxic algae outbreak following the release of water from Lake Okeechobee by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Floridians for generations to come are indebted to Nathaniel Reed for protecting our beautiful environment and our Florida Everglades.” — U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist, D-Fla., after the death of Reed, a Jupiter Island resident who advised six Florida governors and two presidents on environmental issues.
Heat Index Around 105, Chance Of Showers And Thunderstorms
July 15, 2018
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 105. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tuesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 89. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 92.
Escambia Ballots for Military And Oversea Voters On The Way
July 15, 2018
The Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Office began sending vote-by-mail ballots on Friday, July 13, to eligible military and overseas citizens. Voters will either receive their ballot by mail or electronically, depending on their chosen method of delivery.
Vote-by-mail ballots for all eligible domestic voters will be mailed beginning on Tuesday, July 24. The deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot to be mailed for the General Election is 5 p.m. on Wednesday, August 22. To request or track your vote-by-mail ballot for the General Election, visit EscambiaVotes.com and click “Vote by Mail”, or contact the Supervisor of Elections Office at (850) 595-3900.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
